I've posted this information elsewhere, but you all should have this readily available here. In fact, keep it handy for imminent use....

 

http://www.cnu.org/node/2329

 

The salient excerpt is this from the Texas DOT:

 

Another way of describing this is to do a “tax gap” analysis, which shows how much the state fuel tax would have to be on that given corridor for the ratio for revenues to match costs.

 

Applying this methodology, revealed that no road pays for itself in gas taxes and fees.

 

For example, in Houston, the 15 miles of SH 99 from I-10 to US 290 will cost $1 billion to build and maintain over its lifetime, while only generating $162 million in gas taxes.

 

That gives a tax gap ratio of .16, which means that the real gas tax rate people would need to pay on this segment of road to completely pay for it would be $2.22 per gallon.

 

This is just one example, but there is not one road in Texas that pays for itself based on the tax system of today. Some roads pay for about half their true cost, but most roads we have analyzed pay for considerably less.

I've posted this information elsewhere, but you all should have this readily available here. In fact, keep it handy for imminent use....

 

http://www.cnu.org/node/2329

 

 

The problem is that the link to the TxDOT web site contained in the article leads to an invalid page error. In fact, a Google seach of Texas DOT Asset Value Index turns up many references to the purported report, most of which quote the same information, but I can't find the original source.

 

I just don't someone to point to this blog only to be asked "Where is the original report?"

 

I've posted this information elsewhere, but you all should have this readily available here. In fact, keep it handy for imminent use....

 

http://www.cnu.org/node/2329

 

 

The problem is that the link to the TxDOT web site contained in the article leads to an invalid page error. In fact, a Google seach of Texas DOT Asset Value Index turns up many references to the purported report, most of which quote the same information, but I can't find the original source.

 

I just don't someone to point to this blog only to be asked "Where is the original report?"

 

 

http://www.txdot.gov/KeepTexasMovingNewsletter/11202006.html#Cost

Thanks thomasbw

Thanks thomasbw

 

no problem, the link was on the 1st google result.

Forumers, if you have posted an article on this or other threads, please take a few moments this weekend to edit them to abide by the restrictions noted in the red box at the top of each page.

 

Administrators and moderators are doing the same, but there A LOT of articles to prune in a short time. Please do your part to help out. Thank you.

Thanks thomasbw

 

no problem, the link was on the 1st google result.

 

Unfortunately, that is the newsletter containing the summary information which was captured by most blogs. What I would like to see is the actual report which is summarized in the newsletter. But I haven't been able to find it. The original report was in 2006 and the publications only seem to go back to 2007.

 

My concern is that we quote the summary conclusions of a report but don't have the original report with which to verify the methodology. The first question out of somebody's mouth will be "Show me the report that this came from."

 

Concerning the recent discussion of travel time, this from Governing Magazine in 2007. I found it while deleting old articles, but wanted to save this data. I'll find the rest of the ridership data and cross-reference this at a later time....

 

MATCHUPS

 

Travel times by car and train

 

                                            DRIVING  RAIL

ROUTE                                  TIME    TIME*

Washington, DC-Boston, MA        7:44    6:30

Harrisburg, PA-Philadelphia, PA    1:44    1:35

Milwaukee, WI-Chicago, IL          1:37    1:34

Raleigh, NC-Charlotte, NC            2:36    3:24

Oakland, CA-Sacramento, CA      1:17    2:00

Seattle, WA-Portland, OR            2:48    3:30

Chicago, IL-St. Louis, MO            4:52    5:30

Los Angeles CA-San Diego, CA      1:53    2:40

 

*Scheduled rail travel times often vary depending on the time of departure. The Washington to Boston time refers to the Acela Express service.

 

Sources: Amtrak, Michelin

 

5 MOST-TRAVELED ROUTES:

 

• Northeast Corridor: 9.4 million passengers (Washington-New York-Boston)

 

• Pacific Surfliner: 2.6 million passengers (San Diego-Los Angeles-San Luis Obispo, Calif.)

 

• Capitol Corridor: 1.27 million (San Jose-Oakland-Sacramento-Auburn, all in California)

 

• Empire: 918,000 (New York-Albany-Buffalo, all in New York)

 

• Keystone Corridor: 823,000 (Philadelphia-Harrisburg)

 

Source: Amtrak, fiscal year 2006

Remember this? I sure hope the Senate does.....

____________

 

 

NEWS

OHIO RAIL

DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

50 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

(614) 644-0306 telephone or fax (614) 728-4520

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/ohiorail/

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                May 24, 2006

 

Ohio Senate Passes Ohio Hub Resolution

Asks U.S. Congress to Approve Funding For Environmental Impact Study of High-Speed Passenger /& Freight Rail Plan

 

(Columbus) – By a vote of 33 to 0, the Ohio Senate today voiced emphatic support for advancing the plan to bring high speed passenger service and greatly expanded capacity to move more freight by rail.  The resolution asks Ohio’s delegation in the U.S. Congress to support a request by the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) for $2.5 million dollars to move the Ohio Hub Plan into the critical Environmental Impact Study (EIS) phase.

 

Even before the vote, well over 20 Ohio Senators had signed on as co-sponsors to the resolution, whose chief sponsor was Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton). 

 

“Few things send a stronger message to Ohio’s members of Congress than when their counterparts in the Ohio Statehouse say with one voice that a project like the Ohio Hub is important to our state’s economy, our ability to create jobs and improve our quality of life,” says ORDC Executive Director Jim Seney.  “The Ohio Senate not only has my thanks at this show of support, but deserves the thanks of all Ohioans for today’s vote.”

 

The ORDC funding request is scheduled to be considered Friday by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee as part of the overall FY-07 transportation request by Members of Congress.  Three Ohioans sit on that committee, Congressman David Hobson (R-7th District), Congressman Ralph Regula (R-16th District) and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-9th District).

 

If it becomes part of the House Appropriations transportation request, the legislation would then go to the U.S. Senate where it would also go through the Committee process, possibly a House-Senate Conference Committee and consideration by the full Senate.

 

ORDC’s request for $2.5-million would be for one year, allowing the EIS process to begin. If the request is approved, work on the EIS could begin early next year.  It would require a second funding request to complete the EIS phase.

 

It is during the Environmental Impact Study that ORDC can begin to identify and solidify such elements of the Ohio Hub Plan as the actual route system, station locations, frequency of train service and, most importantly, the infrastructure needs to build the Hub system: bridges, new track, utilities, right-of-way preservation, etc.

 

“Today’s vote doesn’t mean we’ll have passenger trains running tomorrow”, says ORDC’s Seney, but it does mean that Ohio legislators strongly believe that there should be a ‘tomorrow” where all Ohioans will have the choice of riding the train for business or pleasure.”

 

###

^This was before people like Tom Patton were in the Senate.  Back then the problem was the House, but now with term limits, all these guys do is jump from one chamber to the other when they reach their limits.  Patton was in the House then. 

 

 

Heard a pro-3C's radio commercial the other day (can't recall which station; may have been the sports station)... Sounded nice: clear, concise and strong, urging the public to WRITE and get behind this thing.  This is very good: it's war, with facts vs. the knuckleheads, who have no facts but play on people's naked fears.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Overview Presentation at 5:30.

King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, OH 43203

 

Passenger Rail is Coming to Ohio But it won’t arrive soon unless we hear from you!

Attend a Public Meeting

The Ohio Rail Development Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation are applying for federal stimulus money to expand passenger rail in Ohio. The application deadline is coming up in early October. Your input can strengthen Ohio’s request. It’s called the 3C “Quick Start” because Ohio is moving forward quickly to connect Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, and Cleveland by passenger rail, using federal stimulus dollars to fund the project.

 

Help Ohio Shape the Future of Rail

The future of rail in Ohio rests with its citizens. Show your interest in passenger rail by attending a public meeting, taking a survey or calling us with your comments. Current and prospective Consulting Parties are also invited to attend the public meetings or an online public meeting to review and comment on technical and environmental documents, as part of Section 106 of the National Historic Presentation Act and the implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 800.

 

You can reach all public meetings by transit. ADA accessible.

 

Online Public Meetings - Go to http://3CisME.ohio.gov

Take the “Quick Start” Survey - http://3CisME.ohio.gov

Call and Comment- 877-7-3CisMe (877-732-4763)

Right around the corner from my house at the King Arts Complex. ;) I should be there. :D

Is it a done deal that if the line is funded, Amtrak would be the operator?

 

from today's Columbus Dispatch: "Amtrak is finishing a study that's expected to show projected Ohio ridership, cost to passengers, how much of a subsidy would be required, and the costs of launching the service. The study is expected by Tuesday."

(http://dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2009/09/11/CHOOCHOO.ART_ART_09-11-09_A12_C6F1JIU.html?sid=101)

 

The findings from Amtrak's study may be MUCH HIGHER than the study of somebody else. If Amtrak's numbers are too high, could this kill the application for funding? Or does the application note that Amtrak is one potential operator (there are other contractor-operators out there)?

 

 

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112467963&ft=1&f=2

 

A Hitch For Rail Riders: Getting To Final Destination (audio & trancript)

Adam Hochberg, NPR

 

Congress has approved $8 billion for high-speed-rail lines that, according to advocates, will make traveling by train faster than driving. But for high-speed trains to live up to their potential, planners also have to consider how long it takes to get to your destination after you get off the train.

 

"What you really need is a door-to-door trip," says Susan Zielinski, managing director of the Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Research and Transformation project at the University of Michigan, a center that promotes sustainable transportation. "You should be able to combine your modes of transportation."

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112467963&ft=1&f=2

 

A Hitch For Rail Riders: Getting To Final Destination (audio & trancript)

Adam Hochberg, NPR

 

Congress has approved $8 billion for high-speed-rail lines that, according to advocates, will make traveling by train faster than driving. But for high-speed trains to live up to their potential, planners also have to consider how long it takes to get to your destination after you get off the train.

 

"What you really need is a door-to-door trip," says Susan Zielinski, managing director of the Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Research and Transformation project at the University of Michigan, a center that promotes sustainable transportation. "You should be able to combine your modes of transportation."

 

 

...which is a HUGE problem in Cincinnati.  It so unbelievably easy to run one bus from Union Terminal to Government Square, but when I e-mail them about it they tell me that the budget can't support one more bus.  SO TAKE ONE BUS OFF ITS REGULAR ROUTE!!!!!  It's an important connection!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112467963&ft=1&f=2

 

A Hitch For Rail Riders: Getting To Final Destination (audio & trancript)

Adam Hochberg, NPR

 

Congress has approved $8 billion for high-speed-rail lines that, according to advocates, will make traveling by train faster than driving. But for high-speed trains to live up to their potential, planners also have to consider how long it takes to get to your destination after you get off the train.

 

"What you really need is a door-to-door trip," says Susan Zielinski, managing director of the Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Research and Transformation project at the University of Michigan, a center that promotes sustainable transportation. "You should be able to combine your modes of transportation."

 

 

...which is a HUGE problem in Cincinnati. It so unbelievably easy to run one bus from Union Terminal to Government Square, but when I e-mail them about it they tell me that the budget can't support one more bus. SO TAKE ONE BUS OFF ITS REGULAR ROUTE!!!!!   It's an important connection!

 

If you cut time points 5 and 6 off the route of the number one bus, you can more than double frequency with the same number of buses for time points 1-4. http://www.go-metro.com/routes/Rt1.pdf

Since opposition to the 3-C seems to be brewing (see article above from Pugu) from the usual suspects (contractors, oil lobby, truckers, etc), I'd love to see some creative, tech-savvy person create a YouTube video showing a person handcuffed to a gas pump with the hand of an oil company executive picking the wallet out of his pocket.  Some sort of sound bite could include:

 

"The road builders want to keep you chained to the gas pump so big oil can pick your pocket." 

 

Anyone know any creative, tech-savvy people with videography skills and a little extra time on their hands? 

^Well, at least people like Art Arnold, from ORA, are calling out these clowns and putting them on the defensive, for a change... Glad to see the advocates standing up and (seem to be) putting up a serious fight... Like I always say, the good and bad in society stems from the top... As long as the Bushies, Tafts and Dewines of the world were calling the shots, there was an implicit fatalism in the hearts of advocates... But w/ Obama, Ted and Sherrod now running things, the advocates are emboldened... which is why, despite the bad guys, I think 3-Cs is going to happen.

I was away this week and on my flight to Cleveland, there was a guy from (Canton, Green or Massilon -  I can't remember where he was from) on the Plane.

 

I was reading an article about the 3-C and he said, "I don't believe in public transportation.  I dont want that.  I'm going to vote against it.  This is a waste of money.  It's easier to drive."

 

He went on to say, "my friends and I wanted to go to out Downtown, and for people like us we would rather drive."  I pointed out the negative and the associated cost.  Then he had the nerve to say, "I just don't want to be on the train with those people."

 

I gave him "the look" and all I could say was, "get your ass away from me!  Go sit somewhere else".  The FC cabin wasn't crowded so he got up and move one row behind.

 

I was so mad when I got of that plane.  I was not feeling well (story to come) and he just pissed me off big time.

^Well, at least people like Art Arnold, from ORA, are calling out these clowns and putting them on the defensive, for a change... Glad to see the advocates standing up and (seem to be) putting up a serious fight... Like I always say, the good and bad in society stems from the top... As long as the Bushies, Tafts and Dewines of the world were calling the shots, there was an implicit fatalism in the hearts of advocates... But w/ Obama, Ted and Sherrod now running things, the advocates are emboldened... which is why, despite the bad guys, I think 3-Cs is going to happen.

 

 

Actually, DeWine is a reliable supporter of Amtrak -- in his votes and personal life. He takes family vacations on Amtrak and also is a supporter of public transportation in general.

^ I stand corrected... still didn't care for his politics, though..

Mike DeWine was even a member of the Ohio Association of Railroad Passengers (now All Aboard Ohio) and spoke before that group at one of their meetings when he was still a congressman. So at least on that subject, he was good.

 

Although most Republicans are trogolodytes when it comes to rail, there ARE a few who get it. The problem is that they, as a whole, do not understand the issue and don't care to.

 

Bob Taft was another matter. His DOT was the most regressive we've had in years and we will be a long time trying to make public transportation a mode in more than name only. The irony is that his late father, Senator Robert Taft, played a part in getting the Lake Shore Limited running in 1975. He even ran campaign ads touting his push for the Lake Shore. Too bad it didn't rub off on his son.

I was reading an article about the 3-C and he said, "I don't believe in public transportation.  I dont want that.  I'm going to vote against it.  This is a waste of money.  It's easier to drive."

 

Apparently he has no problem with public money being spent on highways so he can drive his private car, or on airplanes for that matter. 

 

"I just don't want to be on the train with those people."

 

What people?  The suits in business class?  College students and families with kids?

 

Obviously, this guy thinks trains are for the lower classes-- he's a bigot. 

 

I gave him "the look" and all I could say was, "get your ass away from me!  Go sit somewhere else".  The FC cabin wasn't crowded so he got up and move one row behind.

 

Nice.

 

I was passing out cards for the 3-C public meetings to the train watchers in Berea yesterday (not all foamers, by the way.  On weekends at least half of them are families with kids).  The families were all excited about the 3-C.  The foamers were supportive but more tenuously so. 

 

One guy said, "There's one reason it's not going to happen-- CSX.  They are anti-passenger".  I told him that CSX is on record with ORDC as supporting the Ohio Hub.  He didn't want to believe me no matter what I said.  Then he just said, "It's not going to happen".  To which I replied:  "If everyone who just wants to throw their arms up in the air and say it's not going to happen would instead speak up in support, then it will happen.  The only way to guarantee that it won't happen is to do nothing.  The only way to have a democracy is to actually participate."  He didn't have a response other than "good luck with the meeting".  The two friends he was with were receptive and just said "don't worry about him"

He has a point about CSX, though. CSX has a pretty terrible reputation for failing to maintain their infrastructure and for failing to accommodate passenger trains on their tracks. Several of Amtrak's derailments over the past few years have happened on poorly-maintained CSX tracks.

 

For 3C (or any other passenger service) to be a success, there has to be severe penalties -- and not just a slap on the wrist -- for host railroads failing to maintain their infrastructure or causing unnecessary delays for passenger trains.

I was reading an article about the 3-C and he said, "I don't believe in public transportation.  I dont want that.  I'm going to vote against it.  This is a waste of money.  It's easier to drive."

 

Apparently he has no problem with public money being spent on highways so he can drive his private car, or on airplanes for that matter. 

 

"I just don't want to be on the train with those people."

 

What people?  The suits in business class?  College students and families with kids?

 

Obviously, this guy thinks trains are for the lower classes-- he's a bigot. 

 

I gave him "the look" and all I could say was, "get your ass away from me!  Go sit somewhere else".  The FC cabin wasn't crowded so he got up and move one row behind.

 

Nice.

 

I was passing out cards for the 3-C public meetings to the train watchers in Berea yesterday (not all foamers, by the way.  On weekends at least half of them are families with kids).  The families were all excited about the 3-C.  The foamers were supportive but more tenuously so. 

 

One guy said, "There's one reason it's not going to happen-- CSX.  They are anti-passenger".  I told him that CSX is on record with ORDC as supporting the Ohio Hub.  He didn't want to believe me no matter what I said.  Then he just said, "It's not going to happen".  To which I replied:  "If everyone who just wants to throw their arms up in the air and say it's not going to happen would instead speak up in support, then it will happen.  The only way to guarantee that it won't happen is to do nothing.  The only way to have a democracy is to actually participate."  He didn't have a response other than "good luck with the meeting".  The two friends he was with were receptive and just said "don't worry about him"

 

Gildone, the sad part about this is the guy was about 25/30 years old.  There is a lot of work to be done by the 3C folks in educating the public.

FYI....

 

http://www.travelfootprint.org/news/story/491

 

The emissions from building rail infrastructure are a small initial price to pay for long term clean transport, with 21 million passenger journeys on the Great Western line alone in the last financial year. Using the travelfootprint.org analysis, (which takes into account emissions from vehicle manufacture as well as journey emissions), a journey from London Heathrow to Leeds by aircraft with 100% occupancy will generate 61.2kg of CO2 per passenger, whereas the same journey by train will generate considerably lower emissions of 9.8kg of CO2 per passenger.

press release from the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission(MVRPC):

 

 

Special Event for Our Region’s Economic Development and Business Leaders to Learn About the Economic Development Benefits of Passenger Rail Returning to Ohio

 

The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) and the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC) invite you to attend a special event for our region to discover first-hand from Robert Martin about the potential economic development benefits of passenger rail and how we can be prepared for this opportunity. Mr. Martin is the private developer of the $100 million Saco Island project near the new passenger train station in Saco, Maine. In Maine, the state-sponsored Downeaster Service is expected to generate $3.3 billion in construction investment and create 8,000 new jobs in that state over the next two decades. Mr. Martin will talk about how Dayton is in a prime position to experience the same kind of economic development boost, if Ohio’s 3C “Quick Start” Passenger Rail plan gets funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2009

 

Location: MVRPC’s Center for Regional Cooperation

1100 West Third Street

Dayton, OH 45407

 

Time: 9:00 a.m. – Meet and Greet with Robert Martin, Chief Operating Officer of Mattson Development

 

9:30 a.m. – Presentation

 

10:30 a.m. – Questions/Answers and Interviews

 

A press release from the Ohio Environmental Council.......

 

For Immediate Release          Jack Shaner 614-487-5822; Cell 614-446-1693; [email protected]

 

 

Mighty Economic Engine Will Power 3C Train

 

Diverse stakeholders representing business, regional planners, rail passengers, and environment begin “whistle stop tour” urging Ohioans to get on board 3C “Quick Start” Rail Plan

 

Developer of $100 million project next to new train station in old New England mill town predicts Ohio will reap handsome return on investment from 3C train

 

(Columbus, OH)– Proponents of Ohio’s proposal to restart passenger train service along its 3C corridor kicked off a “whistle stop” tour of cities along the 250-mile route today to push a potent message:  Ohio’s 3C “Quick Start” passenger rail plan will deliver much more than passengers; it also will deliver jobs and economic development to the Buckeye State.

 

The supporters—including local chambers of commerce, regional planning organizations, real estate developers, and rail passenger and environmental groups—are hoping to build support among local business and community leaders for the state’s application for federal stimulus funds to get trains running between Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati.  State officials are competing for federal stimulus funds to start train service as early as 2011.

 

Helping roll out their case at a Statehouse press event this morning was Robert Martin, a real estate developer from New England.  Mr. Martin is spearheading a $100 million redevelopment project to convert an abandoned mill to residential and commercial space next to a new train station along the Downeaster passenger rail line in Saco, Maine.

 

“Done right, a well-run train and a well-placed train station can be a magnet for growth and development in a town center,” said Martin.  “Condos and apartments get built.  New shops and restaurants open.  Energy and commerce jump as people converge to do business.

 

“We found that the Amtrak Downeaster is a true economic engine on our steel interstate. After less than $100 million in public investment, we see over $7 billion in additional construction investments; 42,000 new housing units; almost 7 million square feet of commercial space and almost 18,000 new jobs.  Magnify that by the impact on energy and the $2.4 billion per year of additional consumer purchasing power, and you have a huge shift in the economy of a state one-eighth the size of Ohio.  If we can do this in our little state, think of what Ohio can do.”

 

State transportation officials plan to apply for $400 million in federal stimulus funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to initiate 79 MPH service along the 3C corridor.  Ohio plans to use federal funds to make capitol and infrastructure improvements, upgrading tracks, signals and crossings and acquiring train cars and locomotives. 

 

Competition for federal stimulus funds is fierce.  Forty states have submitted pre-applications, seeking $102 billion from a pool of $8 billion available for passenger rail.  The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to make its funding decisions this fall.

 

“The 3C passenger train will be a real economic boon to this state,” said Chester Jourdan, Executive Director of the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission.  “We know from the experience of cities across the country and around the world that when a solid passenger rail system is created, it boosts the private sector’s confidence in the long term commitment to the area and triggers private investment and development.  These investments will help create jobs, bringing people and activity to Ohio’s major downtowns and create ripple effects in our economy.  This train can’t start to roll soon enough.”

 

State officials plan the start-up service as a prelude to 115 MPH high-speed train service.  The 3C corridor is part of the high-speed Chicago Hub Network, connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati with other Midwest cities.  Nearby connections are envisioned to include Toledo, Indianapolis, Detroit, Louisville, Buffalo, and Pittsburg.

 

This week is expected to be a momentous one for Ohio’s 3C rail plan:

 

On Tuesday or Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Rail Development Commission will announce their recommended route and station alternatives, preliminary ridership, and travel-time estimates.  Also this week, Amtrak is expected to release a much-anticipated operations proposal, announcing schedules, assumed start-up station locations, and its own ridership projections.

 

ODOT and ORDC are hosting a public open-house meeting in each of the 3Cs (Columbus-Tuesday; Cleveland-Wednesday; Cincinnati-Thursday) to give the public an opportunity to ask questions and voice preferences about train fares, routes, etc.

 

Rail advocates plan a series of briefings this week for local business and community leaders in Columbus, Springfield, Dayton, and Cincinnati.

 

“On September 11, 2001, I was half way across the globe, working on the feasibility study of the Dubai metro system,” said Ken Sislak, Associate Vice President, AECOM Transportation and board member of All Aboard Ohio.  “Last week, on Sept. 9, the system opened.  In just eight years, this former fishing village went from feasibility study to revenue service on a world-class, fully automated light-rail system.  In Ohio we’ve had 30 years of study but precious little action on passenger rail.  The time for study is over, and the time to act is now.  ODOT Director Molitoris is on the right track to get trains rolling again on the 3C corridor.”

 

Advocates believe Ohio will benefit from investing in the 3C rail plan, pointing out that:

 

·        nearly 6 million people live within 15 miles of the 3C corridor;

·        well-planned train station projects attract new construction and development;

·        freight rail will benefit from infrastructure improvements at congested choke points

·        trains offer an affordable, safe, convenient, and productive way to travel;

·        a March 2009 statewide poll showed 64% of Ohioans want passenger rail;

·        nearly 1 million residents along the 3-C Corridor do not drive due to age, health, financial disability, the high cost of driving and personal preference;

·        existing transportation alternatives to driving from Cincinnati to Cleveland (258 mi.) are inadequate, with airfares ranging from nearly $400 to more than $700 round trip and bus services in retreat despite trips being oversold two and three times over;

·        driving costs 55 cents per mile, or more than four times higher than taking the train (Midwest rail fares average 8-14 cents per passenger mile); and

·        business travelers can work on the train, safely and conveniently talking on the phone, working on their laptop, even conducting meetings, making their travel time more productive, even when the train travels slower than a car.

 

Once the 3C train is rolling, Ohio will join 14 other states that contract with Amtrak to operate state-funded passenger trains in their state, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. 

 

Ohio officials estimate $10 million to $15 million in state support will be necessary to supplement ticket sales and other revenue to operate the train and pay for engineers, conductors, fuel, maintenance, etc.  Some critics have suggested that Ohio should not invest in passenger rail, citing the subsidy and supposed competition for highway project funding from the state motor fuel tax. 

 

An annual $10 million operating support for the 3C train would amount to only 0.26% of Ohio’s annual $3.8 billion state transportation budget.  ODOT, however, has indicated that it will use non-fuel tax revenue to help operate the train, complementing the state’s historic investment in highways and bridges.

 

It’s been almost 40 years since the last passenger train traveled the 3C corridor.  Advocates are wasting little time urging Ohioans to let state officials know that they support the 3C.

 

“The 3C train stands for more than Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati,” said Jack Shaner, Deputy Director of the Ohio Environmental Council.  “It also stands for conservation, convenience, and commerce.  Fourteen other states have figured that out, including our Big-10 rivals, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.  They’re investing in state supported passenger train service.  And they’re growing jobs, stimulating new investment, and saving travelers millions on travel expenses.  Ohio cannot afford to be stuck at the end of the line.  It’s high time for Ohio to get on board modern passenger rail service.  We urge every Ohioan who supports the 3C plan to tell their lawmakers to get on board, today.”

 

Scheduled participants in the 3C “whistle stop” tour include:

 

-          All Aboard Ohio

-          Clark County-Springfield Transportation Coordinating Committee

-          Dayton Chamber of Commerce

-          Greater Ohio

-          Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission

-          Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission

-          Mayor Warren R. Copeland, City of Springfield

-          Ohio Environmental Council

-          Sierra Club Ohio Chapter

-          Springfield Center City Association

-          Springfield Chamber of Commerce

 

“"On September 11, 2001, I was half way across the globe, working on the feasibility study of the Dubai metro system,"” said Ken Sislak, Associate Vice President, AECOM Transportation and board member of All Aboard Ohio.  “"Last week, on Sept. 9, the system opened.  In just eight years, this former fishing village went from feasibility study to revenue service on a world-class, fully automated light-rail system.  In Ohio we’ve had 30 years of study but precious little action on passenger rail.   The time for study is over, and the time to act is now. ..."

 

 

Amen!

I don't know if it is mentioned in here anywhere, but is there any talks of what fares would be for passengers. 

Yes, but only based on what Amtrak already charges in other Midwest travel markets it already serves. That rate is 8.5 to 14 cents per mile. It is roughly 130 miles between Columbus and Cleveland, and 120 miles from Columbus to Cincinnati. That's downtown-to-downtown. There will also be suburban stations roughly 10 miles from the downtowns.

Friends:

 

The Senate is debating the spending level for high-speed rail and Amtrak today. Please contact your U.S. Senators and ask them to support funding Amtrak’s full request for operating and capital funds and to match the House of Representatives’ $4 billion for high speed rail development in Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2010.

 

The Midwest High Speed Rail Association has created a webpage where you can easily tell your senators that you support high-speed rail:

 

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2228/t/9625/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=1435

 

Please act today!

ok, so the amtrak study and the fta tiger discretionary grant applications are due tomorrow.  I haven't seen any coverage in the media - will we see something tomorrow from ORDC, COTA, or otherwise?

Usually media coverage follows the release of reports.

By looking at the press release KJP posted it looks like Springfield wants to "get on board".

They are very eager!

Keep up the momentum.  Let's hope the eventual chosen route can balance speed/practicality with the politics of support... and Springfield?... Amazing, how adults often exhibit behavior like children: there seems now a 'they're getting one, so why can't we have one' mentality taking root... all the better, I say.

The preliminary AMTRAK 3C study was released today, with cost, ridership estimates and lots of maps and scenarios.

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Rail/Programs/passenger/3CisME/QuickStartDocs/Amtrak%20Draft%203C%20Report%2009-15-2009.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             

Date: September 15, 2009

 

Amtrak Study shows High Demand

for Ohio’s 3C “Quick Start” Passenger Rail Plan

Estimated half-a-million riders each year projected in Ohio

 

 

COLUMBUS (Tuesday, September 15, 2009) - Supported by a pent-up demand for passenger rail in Ohio and the unique opportunity to connect with more than 60 percent of the state’s population, an Amtrak study of Ohio’s 3C “Quick Start” Passenger Rail Plan shows nearly half-a-million people each year would ride a train connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati.

 

The draft ridership and revenue study prepared by Amtrak was delivered to the Ohio Rail Development Commission (ORDC) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) today, following more than nine months of study by the nation’s largest passenger rail service provider. ORDC and ODOT will have the opportunity to provide additional information and data to Amtrak for the final report to be issued later this year.

 

Today’s draft study by Amtrak will be used as part of Ohio’s application for federal stimulus funding to be filed October 2 with the Federal Railroad Administration. With funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Ohio’s “Quick Start” plan would have initial service running as early as 2011.

 

“This long-awaited report from Amtrak proves that Ohioans want true travel choice and will use passenger rail service,” said Matt Dietrich, ORDC Executive Director. “The report shows that 478,000 passengers would board the train each year in Ohio, if it were running today. Other studies estimate that the ridership rate would jump to nearly 600,000 riders by 2014 using the same schedule and stops.”

 

Based on the ridership projections from Amtrak, the 3C “Quick Start” service would rank as the nation’s 12th largest generator of passenger rail traffic, comparable to other successful state-supported passenger rail programs in Michigan, Maine, and Illinois.

 

In addition to the annual ridership rate, the draft report estimates that the state will need to invest as much as $342.6 million in infrastructure improvements, track and signal upgrades, and maintenance facilities before the service could be operational. The estimate includes more than $79 million in construction contingencies, as recommended by Amtrak.

 

The study examined an initial route with six station stops, which will provide for the shortest, safest, and most-direct route. The stops would include downtown locations in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, as well as stops in west Cleveland and northern Hamilton County.

 

Running at speeds of up to 79 miles-per-hour, the 3C “Quick Start” would offer same-day service, with multiple departure and arrival times throughout the day.

 

The Amtrak study estimates that annual revenue - including ticket sales - from the initial 3C “Quick Start” service would be more than $12 million each year, based on the 2009 ridership estimates, with the potential for growth as ridership increases in future years.

 

The study then estimates that Ohio would need to identify as much as $17 million in additional annual investment to keep the 3C “Quick Start” service operational. ODOT intends to use non-gas-tax dollars for these operating funds, including revenues from advertising on the train, franchise fees and existing grant dollars.

 

Still to be determined is the need for equipment. While ORDC’s initial estimates suggested that Ohio would need smaller train sets to meet rider demands, the Amtrak study points to the large population density along the 3C Corridor, which the study calls, “the most important characteristic for a successful corridor operation.”

 

To meet the needs of pent-up demand for passenger rail, Amtrak is now recommending that Ohio invest in five train sets (four active, one in reserve), each made up of a locomotive and control car, 5 coach cars and a food service car with business class seating.

 

The need for additional rider capacity combined with a limited supply of refurbished passenger cars led Amtrak to recommend that Ohio plan for purchasing new passenger equipment. This could require an investment of up to $175 million for the purchase of equipment, according to the report.

 

Public input will also be a key part of Ohio’s application for ARRA resources over the next few weeks. A series of public meetings are scheduled this week at the following locations:

 

§        Columbus – 4-7 p.m. Sept. 15, King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus

§        Cleveland – 4-7 p.m. Sept. 16, Cleveland Airport Holiday Inn, 4181 W. 150th St., Cleveland 

§        Cincinnati – 4-7 p.m. Sept. 17, City Hall Council Chambers, 801 Plum St., Cincinnati

 

Significant and very positive public input is also coming in through the state’s online portal for passenger rail information: 3CisMe.ohio.gov.  An online survey shows 94% support behind the state’s efforts.

 

Not all decision and technical issues need to be addressed prior to the October 2 deadline. ODOT and ORDC will have additional time to further analyze the data from Amtrak. Amtrak is open to any additional suggested changes and will issue a final report later this year.

Here is a bit more from an AP article, with duplicate portions snipped.

 

Amtrak: Ohio train would draw nearly 500,000 riders

The Associated Press, September 15, 2009

 

...

 

About 6 million people live along the 255-mile route, making it one of the most heavily populated corridors without rail service in the Midwest. Private train service from Cleveland to Cincinnati ended in the early 1970s.

 

Amtrak said the corridor’s population density and its concentration of colleges and universities are important factors for success. Amtrak has steady ridership support from college students throughout its national system, the study said.

 

...

 

The study also identified $517.6 million in potential costs before service could begin — $342.6 million for signal upgrades and other improvements to existing freight tracks and $175 million for new trains.

 

That’s more than the $400 million Ohio transportation officials anticipated.

 

...

 

Long-term plans call for the Ohio route to be part of a Chicago-based Midwest rail corridor, with trains eventually running up to 110 mph and branches connecting other parts of Ohio.

 

Amtrak’s Ohio ridership forecast draws parallels to the agency’s 284-mile route from Chicago to St. Louis, which has about 476,000 riders annually. Roundtrip tickets on the route range from $23 to $60. Fares are lower if purchased in advance.

 

...

 

The Ohio study released Tuesday didn’t include fare estimates but did project annual ticket sales of $12 million.

 

The Amtrak study also said Ohio would need to spend as much $17 million to keep the service operational each year, a bit higher than the $10 million that state officials anticipated.

There is land available in the surface lot adjacent to Montgomery Inn, but then that leaves little room for parking for the restaurant, park and station.

The Cantina spot is pretty far into town. In Virginia (Williamsburg and Richmond) and Michigan (Ann Arbor) the Amtrak lots are quite small. You've got craploads of parking along Eggleston and heading up toward Broadway Commons. Perhaps the CRC might be willing to part with a few spaces in their lots @ Sawyer Point. This will need a shuttle of some sort - either as a part of the Southbank System or separate to get travelers into the core to be really successful, though Richmond's stops are pretty isolated even the downtown one which is literally in the middle of about three expressways and three main rail lines. I'd say plan a streetcar for the Riverside Drive but my guess is that by the time we'd get to that leg of the streetcar system this train will likely be heading into Mill Creek Valley.

Rail service on track?

Study shows rider support, higher cost for 3-C trains Wednesday,  September 16, 2009 3:07 AM

By James Nash

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Trains connecting Ohio's three largest cities could be running by 2011 at a cost of more than $500 million and attract nearly 500,000 riders per year, a long-awaited study said yesterday.

 

Read more at: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/09/16/AMTRAK.ART_ART_09-16-09_A1_16F3D8H.html?sid=101

 

**************************************

 

Amtrak says 3C passenger plan to cost $500 million to get under way

Posted by Karen Farkas / Plain Dealer Reporter September 15, 2009 20:57PM

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/09/amtrak_says_3c_passenger_plan.html

 

 

There is land available in the surface lot adjacent to Montgomery Inn, but then that leaves little room for parking for the restaurant, park and station.

 

I can't imagine there would be any available parking at the station.  I would think you would need to use offsite parking facilities perhaps a parking structure on eggleston and connect them with some sort of smaller train

6.5 Hrs between Cincinnati and Cleveland! Wow, I support this project, but holy cow, this will not be a good alternative to driving. This needs move looking into, see if they can cut down on the travel time. Why would they not use the Transit Center for this? Plenty of parking would be available, streetcar above, right in downtown, and they would only have to put down a little track from the park along Pete Rose to the Transit Center. Seems like a station down at Montgomery Inn would be too far from everything. Plus all the issues with parking and it is doubtful the park system would give up land to a station, further reducing parking.

6.5 Hrs between Cincinnati and Cleveland! Wow, I support this project, but holy cow, this will not be a good alternative to driving. This needs move looking into, see if they can cut down on the travel time. Why would they not use the Transit Center for this? Plenty of parking would be available, streetcar above, right in downtown, and they would only have to put down a little track from the park along Pete Rose to the Transit Center. Seems like a station down at Montgomery Inn would be too far from everything. Plus all the issues with parking and it is doubtful the park system would give up land to a station, further reducing parking.

 

I read the report last night.  There are some track upgrades that they can make to cut that 6.5 down.

The choice that will have to made at each step is affordable and speed to start-up versus expensive, longer lag to start-up, and ideal.

Of course it looks like Cleveland gets screwed with the existing AmShack.  I wonder if there is any way to temporarly merge the waterfront line station with Amtrack's needs, at least to create a better entrance point to the city until we can built a proper station.

Environmental Law & Policy Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                CONTACT: Peter Gray 312-795-3715

                                                                                                              312-953-2894 (mobile)

 

Amtrak Study shows Ohio "3C" passenger rail would attract nearly

500,000 riders per year

 

Amtrak released a draft study today showing that rail service connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati could begin running as soon as 2011 and would attract nearly half a million riders per year. The report points to the high concentration of colleges and universities along the corridor as an important indicator of the likely success of this rail proposal.

 

Ohio will use the study in its application for high-speed rail funding from the federal economic stimulus, which is due Oct 2.

 

"For the 6 million people living along the 3C corridor, the results of this study are good news," said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. "Ohioans are ready for rail.  People have waited far too long for the mobility and economic development that fast, comfortable convenient, rail service can provide. With this report, Ohio continues to move forward with the rest of the Midwest toward a high-speed rail network that will change the way people travel in our region."

 

The Environmental Law & Policy Center has worked for over a decade to lead the development of the Midwest high-speed rail network. Ohio is one of 8 Midwestern states that have committed to work together as they apply for high-speed rail funding from the federal economic stimulus. The 3C corridor is a key component of the Midwest network and would link Ohio's cities with the rest of the region.

 

The full report is available here:

 

http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Rail/Programs/passenger/3CisME/QuickStartDocs/Amtrak%20Draft%203C%20Report%2009-15-2009.pdf